Baby Teething at 3 1/2 months?

My little man is just 3 1/2 months.  For the last 2 to 3 weeks I have wondered if he might be teething early, but now I am almost certain of it.  He is quite flushed (no fever though), drooling like crazy and everything goes into his mouth (his fists are in there all the time now).  Today he has been quite cranky, which is not normal for him at all.  He is usually only cranky towards bedtime or when he is hungry.  Nothing seems to make him happy today, and he is usually full of smiles.  How common is it for a baby to teeth this early?  And do you have any tips for me in making this easier on him?  I can't stand to see my little guy uncomfortable if I can help it.  I would prefer non medicinal methods if possible.  Thanks so much, I appreciate the info!!!!

[tiredbuthappy]

It is possible- some babies are even born with teeth. With my first, i was positive she was teething early- by 4 months. This "teething" lasted until she cut her first tooth... at almost 9 months!
Drooling and fists in mouth are normal at this age because he is beginning to realize his hands are there and he can control them. Babies explore things with their mouths, which is why his hands (and soon everything else) end up in his mouth.

Don't try oragel unless you actually see the tooth below the gum. We learned that the hard way- it's not worth the screaming child. Honestly, I wouldn't give any meds unless you can actually see the tooth either. Hylands teething tabs are homeopathic and completely harmless according to my ped and DH who is a pharmacist, although both of them also say that there is only anecdotal evidence that it works.

His irritibility can be a growth spurt, him fighting a bug, or like you suspect, teething. If it continues, you can have him checked by the ped to rule out an ear infection. Your ped will also be able to tell you if the teeth are about to errupt.

[melimeli]

You can take a teething ring and put it in the fridge so it is cold... good luck

[adgal]

Thanks ladies.  He actually had a wellness check yesterday and the pediatrician checked his ears and all was well.  I didn't ask her about teething right now, I just plain forgot.  Today I am wishing I had.  I wondered about the crankyness being a result of the anti depressants I am on as that is a possible side effect for him.  But I have been on them for several weeks now and it's just now he is being grumpy, so I don't think that's it.  I tried a teething ring, but he didn't seem to interested.  I am going to hold off on tylenol or orajel and maybe try some homeopathic remedies first.

Thanks so much!!!

[chinesebones]

Hyland's teething tablets are great- they have chamomile in them which is good for crankiness and sleeplessness too.  They dissolve quickly but try to aim them away from the throat- my dd briefly choked on one once when I slung it in a little too enthusiastically (in my defense, it was the colic remedy, and I was desperate.)  You're not supposed to touch them, but it's pretty easy to shake the right number into the cap.
For what it's worth, when my dd was still teething but old enough to talk, she started asking for them when her gums hurt.  I asked if they made her feel better, and she said "yes."
I'm a big fan of homeopathy in general, so perhaps I'm biased.  DH calls it "Mama's witch medicine."  

[pertykitty]

the tablets are the best!! i was told to not use the orajel it can numb their throat, i tried it and it didnt work anyway.  

they can start teething way before a tooth comes in.  it could be several things, did he have shots yesterday?

i took a baby wash cloth and put it in the freezer for a bit so it was cold and held it so addy could chew on it.  poor guy teething is the worst part of being a baby!!!  we are getting our 2 yr molars, god help us! lol

[tiredbuthappy]

My DD is also very verbal and has been since she was 12 months. She also started teething very late... first tooth at almost 9 months, and the second didn't come until after 11 months. The rest came every few months. Needless to say, she learned quickly to ask for her "pills" :P

[penswriter]

both of my boys (twins) started teething at 3 months had their first tooth by 3 1/2 months.

[LosingMyMindInGA]

Some babies do start teething that early.  I've seen a couple of 3-4 mos old babies who actually had teeth already breaking through.  Some babies will start signs of teething a couple of months before anything breaks through.  I don't remember what the recommended age for the infant orajel is, but you could check into that and try it. There are also some non medicate teething tablets you can buy that dissolve quickly, again I don't remember the age limits.  Helping him hold a cold teething ring to chew on may help as well.  If it seems he is under a lot of discomfort a small amount of tylenol, perhaps only half - 3/4 of a normal dose fro his age may help.

[adgal]

Thanks everyone. I tried the teething rings again, and this time he really took to them.  I have to help him hold them, but straight into the mouth they go and he naws away at them.  I think the first ones might have been too big for him.  These are smaller and easier for him I think.  I also bought a homeopathic teething remedy that seems to work.  I have the same product for colic and colds.  Colic one worked well as well the few times he seemed to have it.  I really do think he is teething, or at least having symptoms of it.  He isn't just sucking on everything, but nawing like crazy and also drooling an awful lot.  He is also very pink cheeked, although fortunately no fever.  Thanks again, I always appreciate the advice and input!!!

[m3lanie]

my daughter is 14 weeks old and also drools lots and has so for 3 weeks oh and blows raspberries (bubbles). She is also putting her fists into her mouth and is noisy about it at times by being vocal, not crying.. while gnawing on her hands. Sometimes she acts frustrated but I can't tell if it's from hunger etc other than possible teething.

[adgal]

When ds started doing it I thought it was a hunger sign as well.  I was so frustrated thinking he was constantly hungry. He would do it right after feeding and I assumed he just wasn't getting enough, so was constantly sticking bottle or breast in his mouth.  I think its a combination of exploring his hands and now teething, although nothing has popped through yet.  

[blueeyedtabbycat]

My first two boys both had teeth by 3 months old. By 9 month I swear they had all their teeth, lol! With Dalton and Taylor they were 7 months and 8 months before any teeth popped through but I swear they were teething since around 4 months old. Drooling, fussy, biting on everything:~( Its hard, I never liked to give origel to them, I mean its kinda gross and just makes them gag, but thats just me. And none of my kids ever liked the frozen or really cold teethers either. I did Tylenol when the got too uncomfortable. Good luck!!!

[mami1323]

My son cut his first two bottom teeth at 4 months old.  I used the Hyland's tablets and coupled it with tylenol.  Worked like a charm.